- RB Leipzig are strongly interested in bringing Christopher Nkunku back and are already in contact with the player’s agent
- Newcastle United are favourites to sign the AC Milan forward for around £25M, while Aston Villa are also in the race
- Milan are open to discussing a potential loan deal, with Nkunku’s contract at San Siro running until June 2030
Leipzig Push For A Familiar Face
RB Leipzig have stepped up their pursuit of Christopher Nkunku, with the Bundesliga club keen to take the French striker back to Germany. Transfer expert Gianluigi Longari has said Leipzig have been ‘pushing’ in recent hours, aware that Nkunku is not currently part of Milan’s plans.
The German side are strongly interested in the 28-year-old and are already in contact with the player’s agent. An offer could soon follow, although Milan are understood to be open to discussing a potential loan arrangement this summer.
🚨 Newcastle United are favourites to sign AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku for around £25M.
Aston Villa are also in the race, but Nkunku favours a return to the Premier League.
Roma, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also shown interest in the 28-year-old.
(Source:… pic.twitter.com/mdja7HnWZ5
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 18, 2026
Premier League Interest Remains Significant
Newcastle United are favourites to sign the AC Milan forward for around £25M, while Aston Villa are also involved in the race. Previous reports in Italy had already claimed that both Newcastle and Aston Villa had sounded out Nkunku’s availability.
Nkunku is said to favour a return to the Premier League, adding another dimension to the competition for his signature. Roma and Borussia Dortmund have also shown interest in the forward.
Milan Situation And Transfer Valuations
Nkunku joined Milan from Chelsea last summer in a deal worth over €30m. Despite that investment, the Rossoneri are now open to allowing him to leave, including on loan.
In parallel, Milan are preparing to complete their third summer signing, with Belgian winger Diego Moreira set to arrive from Strasbourg for €50m.
| Club | Reported status | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| RB Leipzig | Strongly interested | In contact with the player’s agent and could soon submit an offer |
| Newcastle United | Favourites | Linked with a move for around £25M |
| Aston Villa | In the race | Previously sounded out the striker’s availability |
| Roma | Interested | Have also shown interest in the 28-year-old |
| Borussia Dortmund | Interested | Have also shown interest in the 28-year-old |
Performance Profile And Previous Leipzig Record
Nkunku scored eight goals and provided three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions for Milan in 2025-26. His current contract at San Siro expires in June 2030.
A return to Leipzig would reunite him with a club where he previously enjoyed a productive spell. Nkunku played for RB Leipzig from 2019 to 2023, scoring 70 times in 172 games.
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Age | 28 |
| Milan output in 2025-26 | 8 goals and 3 assists in 35 appearances |
| Milan contract expiry | June 2030 |
| Previous RB Leipzig spell | 2019 to 2023 |
| RB Leipzig record | 70 goals in 172 games |
